Seek First the Kingdom

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Seek First the Kingdom"

Transcription

1 THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WEST TEXAS Seek First the Kingdom The Kingdom of Heaven in the Gospel of Matthew Session Three: Second Sunday in Lent Important Clues to Kingdom Living Opening Prayer Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for Proper 20, Book of Common Prayer, p. 234). Introduction to this Week s Study In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus lays out a pattern of living intended to nurture and form disciples in his community of followers seeking the kingdom of heaven. This Gospel is less about conveying information to readers about the life of Jesus and more about presenting Jesus as God s ultimate teacher and model to follow in living daily life. Jesus provides the community with encouraging and compassionate instructions that shape the behavioral life of people in the church. In fact the Gospel of Matthew is the only one of the four canonical Gospels to use the word church (a translation of the Greek word ekklēsia) to refer to the Christian community. No doubt, Matthew uses church to characterize the gathering of the messianic community committed to Jesus in order to distinguish it from local synagogues that rejected the teaching of Jesus and his status as the Jewish Messiah. The Sermon on the Mount Most of today s passages for reflection come from what is known as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:29). The mountainside setting for this block of teaching by Jesus reminds readers then and now of the first delivery of the Law by God to Moses and the people of Israel at Mt. Sinai. This parallel association of Jesus with Moses continues a theme Matthew introduced in his narrative about the birth and early life of Jesus: he is the new Moses who has come out of Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15) to lead God s people out of bondage and oppression and to form them as God s own people. But, as the Gospel develops, Jesus proves to be far greater than the original lawgiver Moses. In the sermon Jesus provides people with a vision for daily living in the

2 2 kingdom of heaven. As biblical scholar Warren Carter puts it, the sermon describes a way of life that enacts God s life-giving reign in our world. Living into this vision of the kingdom, however, requires ongoing discernment of God s will as a regular practice in the community. Thus, in the sermon Jesus instructs his disciples: Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened (Matthew 7:7-8). God desires that we know the divine will for our daily lives; God answers our prayers that seek to know God s will for life in the kingdom. The sermon s teachings on daily life form the dependable foundation for life in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus makes this clear in the final sentences of the sermon: Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell and great was its fall! (Matthew 7:24-27) Over time, daily living discerned and shaped by the contours of the Sermon on the Mount forms Christ-like character in faithful disciples. Though this way of life may be hard at times (see Matthew 7:13-14), and result in opposition from the wider world (see Matthew 5:10-12), the sermon calls us repeatedly to cooperate with God in making the kingdom of heaven a reality on earth. Biblical Passages 1. The Beatitudes The Sermon on the Mount begins with a series of short sayings called the Beatitudes. They define authentic discipleship and reflect particular actions or dispositions that demonstrate God s favor. In Jewish tradition beatitudes often serve as an expression of the connection between a person s actions and attitudes and what happens to that person. In the sermon the Beatitudes are written with an acute awareness of the present suffering of God s people, while raising the hope of their future liberation from the oppressive forces of Roman rule made worse by collaborating Jewish leaders. Disciples must live with one eye on the present and one eye on the future, recognizing that through Jesus the freedom of the future is already breaking into the world now, even if it is not yet complete.

3 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10) Comments on these two Beatitudes The poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3) are those who patiently experience the heavy burden of their present impoverished and oppressive life, longing for God to intervene on their behalf. The poor in spirit include not only those who are economically poor, but those whose spirits are being crushed by the economic oppression, sickness, hunger, and demonic spiritual possession that prevail among those whose live under Rome s harsh rule. Notice the present tense of the verb in 5:3: theirs is the kingdom of heaven now; God is now intervening in the person of Jesus to inaugurate a reversal of the present status quo, providing these faithful disciples with hope for the future. The disciples prayer that God s kingdom come (Matthew 6:10, discussed in Week 2) is already being partially answered for disciples who remain faithful even in the midst of their present suffering; the completion of God s reign on earth, when there will no longer be any poor in spirit, nevertheless still lies in the future. The Beatitude in 5:10 characterizes those who are persecuted because they are trying to live by the righteous norms Jesus sets out for them: those who mourn (5:4); those who are meek/gentle (5:5); those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (5:6); those who are merciful toward others (5:7); those with pure hearts (5:8); and those who are peacemakers (5:9). This worldly persecution actually demonstrates a disciple s fidelity to God through his or her enduring commitment to the way of life taught by Jesus; the Kingdom of God often breaks in by means of enduring faithfulness. Describe a recent time when you have been poor in spirit as Jesus describes it here. Did your enduring faithfulness help you experience the kingdom of heaven in some way? Who are the people in your local community who seem to be poor in spirit, oppressed by current economic conditions, sickness, hunger, or some other kind of spiritual affliction? In what ways do you see the kingdom of heaven present among them? Have you recently experienced pushback from someone or some group in response to actions you took that were meek/gentle? Or experienced pushback when you had mercy on someone rather than insisting on justice? How does the beatitude in 5:10 help you interpret your experience?

4 4 2. Entering the Kingdom Requires Intentional Discernment Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name? Then I will declare to them, I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers (Matthew 7:21-23). Comments on the Passage To enter the kingdom of heaven requires that a person live with integrity, acting out of a pure heart (Matthew 5:8) and taking righteous actions (Matthew 5:6, 10). Jesus confirms here the importance of living with integrity to enter the kingdom. Simply acknowledging and confessing Jesus as Lord is not enough. One must also do the will of God. On the surface it might seem puzzling that the actions Jesus describes in v. 22 (prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name) are just the kinds of things Jesus carries out in his own ministry. Why would he now call someone an evildoer who is doing these very same things? Jesus may be challenging our hearts, asking us to discern whether we are doing otherwise good things for personal advancement or public attention; if so, we would not be acting with a pure heart or living with integrity. Jesus may also be telling us that just because we are doing otherwise good things does not mean we are actually doing God s will in our lives; God may be calling us to something very different. Identify the ministries in which you participate. Spend a few minutes to reflect on the reasons you became involved in each ministry. With whom did you discern your potential involvement in each ministry? What were the criteria or factors you used in deciding to get involved? Go through the same set of questions for some of the ministries carried out in your congregation. What criteria or factors help you and your congregation discern whether you are doing the will of God in and through a particular ministry? 3. Become Like Children to Enter the Kingdom At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes

5 5 humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me (Matthew 18:1-5). Comments on the Passage In the Mediterranean culture of antiquity, a child was someone who was insignificant and vulnerable, without any status and power, holding a very low and subordinate place in the household. The disciples are looking in the wrong direction, asking who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. To enter the kingdom they must change and become like children, embracing a position of insignificance and vulnerability, lacking status and power in the countercultural church community centered on Jesus. The Greek verb translated as change literally means to turn around ; disciples must look in an entirely different direction they must look away from the criteria of greatness in the world and measure greatness by the standards of the kingdom of heaven. What are some of the ways our modern culture defines greatness? Do any of these criteria tempt you or your congregation? What steps do you and your congregation take to try to remain humble and vulnerable, always subordinated to the teaching of Jesus?

STEWARDSHIP. Rethinking. Terri Martinson Elton. re think

STEWARDSHIP. Rethinking. Terri Martinson Elton. re think re think verb gerund or present participle: rethinking rēˈthingk/ think again about (something such as a policy or course of action), especially in order to make changes to it. "the government was forced

More information

(Matthew 5:1) When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.

(Matthew 5:1) When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Commentary on Matthew 5:1-12 By L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Series) for Sunday, October 30, 2011, is from Matthew 5:1-12. Five Questions for Discussion and

More information

A Note From Pastor Kermit

A Note From Pastor Kermit A Note From Pastor Kermit Like the other gospels, Matthew isn t a chronological diary of Jesus life and ministry. It s witness to His mission and message here on Earth. Therefore, events and teachings

More information

The Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount The Sermon on the Mount Gospel of Matthew 5 7 New International Version 5 1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach

More information

Matthew 5-7. Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5-7. Sermon on the Mount $ sex money power $ Matthew 5-7 Sermon on the Mount sex money power Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He

More information

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes. Matthew 5-7 New International Version (NIV)

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes. Matthew 5-7 New International Version (NIV) Matthew 5-7 New International Version (NIV) Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount 5 2 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began

More information

Good morning! This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Good morning! This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Good morning! This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Today, we d like to begin a new sermon series called, Enough. It will be our church-wide study and worship emphasis

More information

Prayers of Blessings for Your Children

Prayers of Blessings for Your Children Prayers of Blessings for Your Children Weeks 1 and 2 from the Proverbs (chapters 20, 8, and 2) Proverbs 20:7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. Day 1 Pray that

More information

JESUS GREATEST HITS PT4 Growth Group Notes Week 1 PASTOR BOB RICE: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2018

JESUS GREATEST HITS PT4 Growth Group Notes Week 1 PASTOR BOB RICE: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2018 Main Text: Matthew 5:1-12 Hit: Happy JESUS GREATEST HITS PT4 Growth Group Notes Week 1 PASTOR BOB RICE: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2018 Premise: Happiness is found in unusual places that we may never look. This

More information

SERMON WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS SERMON SERIES: On the Mount Matthew 5:1-2a, 7:24-29 (CEV) Sunday, March 16, 2014

SERMON WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS SERMON SERIES: On the Mount Matthew 5:1-2a, 7:24-29 (CEV) Sunday, March 16, 2014 SERMON WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS SERMON SERIES: On the Mount Matthew 5:1-2a, 7:24-29 (CEV) Sunday, March 16, 2014 A strong young man at a construction site was bragging that he could outdo anyone in a feat

More information

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him and He began to teach them, saying

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him and He began to teach them, saying When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him and He began to teach them, saying The Beatitudes MATTHEW 5:1 12 Sermon On The Mount Theme: Kingdom Life

More information

THE NEW REALITY --- THE BEATITUDES

THE NEW REALITY --- THE BEATITUDES THE NEW REALITY --- THE BEATITUDES Water from Rock, January 10, 2017, Tim Smith The Gospel of Matthew concludes with Jesus Great Commission sending His disciples to the whole world: Matthew 28:18-20 18

More information

The Best Sermon October 6, 2013 Matthew 5-7

The Best Sermon October 6, 2013 Matthew 5-7 The Best Sermon October 6, 2013 Matthew 5-7 I begin in a way I never have before and likely never will again by offering a bold guarantee. I assure you that this morning's sermon will be the best sermon

More information

Values of the Kingdom

Values of the Kingdom S 1705 - The 6th Sunday after Epiphany (A) - 12 February 2017 1 Values of the Kingdom John Zondag, First Presbyterian Church, Portage la Prairie, Man. Scripture readings: Micah 6.1-8 - What does the LORD

More information

Seek First the Kingdom

Seek First the Kingdom THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WEST TEXAS Seek First the Kingdom The Kingdom of Heaven in the Gospel of Matthew Session Six: Living as a Kingdom Community Opening Prayer Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about

More information

International Bible Lesson Commentary Hebrews 3:1-6

International Bible Lesson Commentary Hebrews 3:1-6 International Bible Lessons Commentary Hebrews 3:1-6 & Matthew 7:24-29 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, October 9, 2016 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform

More information

THE BEATITUDES ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE SURPRISING, UPSIDE-DOWN KINGDOM

THE BEATITUDES ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE SURPRISING, UPSIDE-DOWN KINGDOM THE BEATITUDES ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE SURPRISING, UPSIDE-DOWN KINGDOM MATTHEW 5:3-10 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be

More information

The Life of Jesus Sermon 5: Teaching on the Mountain Who does God bless? Matthew 5:1-12

The Life of Jesus Sermon 5: Teaching on the Mountain Who does God bless? Matthew 5:1-12 1 The Life of Jesus Sermon 5: Teaching on the Mountain Who does God bless? Passages: Isaiah 61:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12 Just like any other group of people, Christians have their own lingo words and phrases

More information

The Eight Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-10. Something Catholic Extended 2/12/2015 By Michael Delaney

The Eight Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-10. Something Catholic Extended 2/12/2015 By Michael Delaney The Eight Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-10. Something Catholic Extended 2/12/2015 By Michael Delaney This is a Painting of a Happy Man More on this later The Sermon on the Mount, the traditional name for the

More information

Matthew 5:1-12a. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matthew 5:1-12a. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Matthew 5:1-12a A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

More information

1. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. 2. You are the light of the world.

1. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. 2. You are the light of the world. Gospel Reading 1. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1-12a When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after

More information

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew The Gospel of the Lord.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew The Gospel of the Lord. F1 Matthew 5:1-12a A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them,

More information

Seek First the Kingdom

Seek First the Kingdom THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WEST TEXAS Seek First the Kingdom The Kingdom of Heaven in the Gospel of Matthew Session Eight: Entrusted with the Proclamation in Word and Deed Opening Prayer Grant us, Lord,

More information

VITAL STEPS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH

VITAL STEPS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH VITAL STEPS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH Mt 5:1 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying, 3

More information

Two Foundations (Matthew 7:24-29)

Two Foundations (Matthew 7:24-29) CFCW-10/12/2014 Two Foundations (Matthew 7:24-29) Introduction In life, how you BEGIN to do something is often very important. This is the case with following directions. I used to work as a delivery driver

More information

Prayer Guide February 18 April

Prayer Guide February 18 April 2015 Lenten Prayer Guide February 18 April 4 2015 A journey in prayer through Jesus teachings from the Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5-7 The 2015 Lenten Prayer Guide was created to help members engage in

More information

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John Gospel John 2:1-11 A reading from the holy Gospel according to John There was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding.

More information

How to Enter His Kingdom vs. 3-5

How to Enter His Kingdom vs. 3-5 How to Enter His Kingdom vs. 3-5 How to Enter His Kingdom vs. 3-5 How to Experience His Kingdom vs. 6-8 How to Express His Kingdom Matthew 5:9-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and

More information

#jesusisenough l part 7 SOM 3 l Satisfied. Retief Uys

#jesusisenough l part 7 SOM 3 l Satisfied. Retief Uys #jesusisenough l part 7 SOM 3 l Satisfied Retief Uys #jesusisenough ENCOUNTER, CONNECTION and RELATIONSHIP #2019 Year of RESURRECTIONS #1 Need to be the BURNING ONES #2 Mary Moments @ His feet #3 Found

More information

Set E Dan 2:20-21 Matt 5:3-6 Matt 5:7-9 Matt 5:10-12 Matt 5:13-14 Matt 5:15-16 Matt 5:17-18 Matt 5:19-20

Set E Dan 2:20-21 Matt 5:3-6 Matt 5:7-9 Matt 5:10-12 Matt 5:13-14 Matt 5:15-16 Matt 5:17-18 Matt 5:19-20 Set E Dan 2:20-21 Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom

More information

A Reading from the Gospel according to Matthew

A Reading from the Gospel according to Matthew Matthew 5:3-12 (Beatitudes) A Reading from the Gospel according to Matthew When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them,

More information

THE 5 PILLARS OF MATTHEW The Guaranty of Going to Heaven (Matt 5-7, pt. 8)

THE 5 PILLARS OF MATTHEW The Guaranty of Going to Heaven (Matt 5-7, pt. 8) THE 5 PILLARS OF MATTHEW 1.9. The Guaranty of Going to Heaven (Matt 5-7, pt. 8) ESCHATOLOGY THROUGH COMPARATIVE STUDY Daniel 5 Pillars of Matthew Revelation Visible Kingdom Spiritual Kingdom Full Kingdom

More information

Common Ground D: Part 6

Common Ground D: Part 6 Common Ground 11.30.2011 3-D: Part 6 6 1 Common Ground 11.30.2011 3-D: Part 6 2 Context Matthew 5:1-12 Purpose: To prove Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal King Author: Matthew (Levi) Audience: Jews Date:

More information

International Bible Lessons Commentary Hebrews 3:1-6 & Matthew 7:24-29

International Bible Lessons Commentary Hebrews 3:1-6 & Matthew 7:24-29 International Bible Lessons Commentary Hebrews 3:1-6 & Matthew 7:24-29 King James Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, October 9, 2016 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform

More information

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 291 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenged his hearers to spiritual and moral transformation in preparation for the Kingdom of Heaven. 1 Seeing the crowds, he went

More information

YEAR A, EPIPHANY 4 RCL, SUNDAY MASS: MICAH 6:1-8; PSALM 15; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-31; MATTHEW 5:1-12

YEAR A, EPIPHANY 4 RCL, SUNDAY MASS: MICAH 6:1-8; PSALM 15; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-31; MATTHEW 5:1-12 The First Lesson. The Reader begins A Reading from the Book of Micah Hear what the LORD says: Arise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. 2 Hear, you mountains, the

More information

I Came to Do the Father s Will John 6:26-40

I Came to Do the Father s Will John 6:26-40 I Came to Do the Father s Will John 6:26-40 This morning we are continuing our advent series on Why Jesus Came. We are listening to Jesus tell us in His own words why He become one of us. Two weeks ago

More information

Matthew 7:7-8, New International Version

Matthew 7:7-8, New International Version Matthew 7:7-8, New International For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the

More information

Blessed are the persecuted. Matthew 5:10-12

Blessed are the persecuted. Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are the persecuted Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are the poor in spirit those who mourn the meek those who hunger and thirst for righteousness the merciful the pure in heart the peacemakers Blessed

More information

Parable - The Wise and Foolish Builders

Parable - The Wise and Foolish Builders Parable - The Wise and Foolish Builders Through this lesson, children will learn that when Jesus is our Lord, we follow His teachings and will do what He tells us. TOPICS Parables, Following Jesus, Foolishness,

More information

St. Vincent de Paul Parish

St. Vincent de Paul Parish St. Vincent de Paul Parish Study 20: Greater than Moses Bible Study The Gospel of Matthew. The placement of Matthew s Gospel as the first Gospel in the New Testament bears witness to the ancient tradition

More information

The Sermon on the Mount: Part 3 Matthew 5 7 Don Ruhl Savage Street, Grants Pass, Oregon December 13, In the year of our Lord, 2017

The Sermon on the Mount: Part 3 Matthew 5 7 Don Ruhl Savage Street, Grants Pass, Oregon December 13, In the year of our Lord, 2017 The Sermon on the Mount; Matt 5 7; 04121; Page 1 of 5 The Sermon on the Mount: Part 3 Matthew 5 7 Don Ruhl Savage Street, Grants Pass, Oregon December 13, In the year of our Lord, 2017 I. Matthew 7.1 5

More information

Blessed comes from the Greek word makarios which means:

Blessed comes from the Greek word makarios which means: Beatitude comes from the Latin beatus meaning blessing, to make happy or the promise of true happiness Blessed comes from the Greek word makarios which means: To be fully satisfied The classical definition

More information

SERMON ON THE MOUNT Bible/Matthew 5-7

SERMON ON THE MOUNT Bible/Matthew 5-7 In the Name of God, Most Beneficent Most Merciful. WE ENCOURAGE SPIRITUALITY AND MEDITATION TO PROMOTE A WORLD OF JUSTICE AND PEACE IN THE FEAR OF GOD.. I hope you will enjoy reading this sermon as much

More information

Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.

Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. If you love those who love you, what reward have you? Matthew 5:46 Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Seek first the kingdom

More information

LIFE 101 THIS SUNDAY S MESSAGE:

LIFE 101 THIS SUNDAY S MESSAGE: The Sermon on the Mount: Foundations and directions for life from Jesus LIFE 101 THIS SUNDAY S MESSAGE: This is Bliss Matthew 5:3-12 Primary New Testament Beatitudes The Poor in Spirit Those Who Mourn

More information

Improving Your Serve Lesson 9 Matthew 5:1-12

Improving Your Serve Lesson 9 Matthew 5:1-12 Improving Your Serve Lesson 9 Matthew 5:1-12 Portrait of a Servant Our study opens with what might seem to be a very straightforward question, what do you want to be when you grow up? However, as we carefully

More information

The Golden Rule of Love

The Golden Rule of Love In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matt 7:12. It is from this statement, and Jesus declaration of the greatest commandments,

More information

Welcome to Promise Land Bible Church We re glad you re here!

Welcome to Promise Land Bible Church We re glad you re here! Welcome to Promise Land Bible Church We re glad you re here! Call to Worship Psalm 125 Psalm 125 A Song of Ascents. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.

More information

He Taught With Authority: Blessings Matthew 5:1-12 Wayne Eberly January 29, 2017

He Taught With Authority: Blessings Matthew 5:1-12 Wayne Eberly January 29, 2017 He Taught With Authority: Blessings Matthew 5:1-12 Wayne Eberly January 29, 2017 Jesus went up on a mountainside, sat down, and began to teach his disciples. The words that follow make up perhaps the most

More information

The. Teachings. Jesus Christ

The. Teachings. Jesus Christ The Teachings of Jesus Christ The Teachings of Jesus Christ Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God Unless a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot

More information

Scripture and Sermon for Sunday, March 26, Exodus 17: 1-7

Scripture and Sermon for Sunday, March 26, Exodus 17: 1-7 Scripture and Sermon for Sunday, March 26, 2017 Exodus 17: 1-7 From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but

More information

Excerpt from The Gospel According to Matthew (1st c. CE)

Excerpt from The Gospel According to Matthew (1st c. CE) Excerpt from The Gospel According to Matthew (1st c. CE) Matthew 5:1-12; 5:21-26; 5:38-48; 6:8-13; 7:7-12.The Bible. New American Standard Version. The Gospel According to Matthew 5-7 features the Sermon

More information

A Study on The Sermon on the Mount

A Study on The Sermon on the Mount A Study on The Sermon on the Mount I believe that the most powerful sermon recorded in the scriptures is found in the gospel of Matthew and was spoken by Jesus Himself. If you take this sermon just as

More information

THE WISE MAN AND THE FOOLISH MAN

THE WISE MAN AND THE FOOLISH MAN T h e W i s e M a n a n d t h e F o o l i s h M a n P a g e 1 THE WISE MAN AND THE FOOLISH MAN TEXT: Matthew 7: 24-28 PURPOSE: This admonition appeals to Jesus hearers (and readers) to heed the teachings

More information

Blessing of Abraham Page 1. August 30, 2003 THE BLESSING OF GOD TO ABRAHAM

Blessing of Abraham Page 1. August 30, 2003 THE BLESSING OF GOD TO ABRAHAM Blessing of Abraham Page 1. August 30, 2003 THE BLESSING OF GOD TO ABRAHAM God told Abraham to leave his country and to go to a land that He would show him (Genesis 12:1). God s blessing depended upon

More information

Living in Contradiction

Living in Contradiction Living in Contradiction Living in Contradiction Genesis 1:27-28 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said

More information

Spiritual Formation and the Beatitudes

Spiritual Formation and the Beatitudes February, Year One Reflection Two Nurturing Season Winter Church Calendar Lent 8 th Day Value Incarnational Community Life Practices (Spiritual Disciplines) Prayer Spiritual Formation and the Beatitudes

More information

Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1 7:29)

Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1 7:29) Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1 7:29) Christ, the New Moses. Marks of the Disciple; Jesus Authority Stressed. The Beatitudes. Fulfilling the Law Jesus and the New Moses and the Six Antitheses. Be Ye Perfect.

More information

The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. Matthew 5:3a (NIV) 3a Blessed are the poor in spirit

The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. Matthew 5:3a (NIV) 3a Blessed are the poor in spirit Matthew 5:a (NIV) a Blessed are the poor in spirit Matthew 5: (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:4a (NIV) 4a Blessed are those who mourn Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

More information

Hebrews 3:1-6 (NIV) Matthew 7:24-29

Hebrews 3:1-6 (NIV) Matthew 7:24-29 Power Hour Lesson Summary for October 9, 2016 Builder of the House Lesson Text: Hebrews 3:1-6; Matthew 7:24-29 Background Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-6; Matthew 7:19-29 Devotional Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25

More information

Sermon on the Mount: Overview and Reading Plan

Sermon on the Mount: Overview and Reading Plan Sermon on the Mount: Overview and Reading Plan The Sermon on the Mount contains many of Jesus most recognizable teachings. That s helpful for us because it is also the nearest thing to a description for

More information

St Charles RC Primary School

St Charles RC Primary School St Charles RC Primary School 1) Blessed are the poor in heart for theirs is the kingdom of heaven 2) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted 3) Blessed are the meek for they will inherit

More information

1. What was the most joyous part of your Christmas and New Year holiday?

1. What was the most joyous part of your Christmas and New Year holiday? Matthew 1:1 2:12 January 11, 2018 1. What was the most joyous part of your Christmas and New Year holiday? 2. This semester we are studying the book of Matthew. Read Matthew 1:1-17. Matthew begins this

More information

Sermons of the Savior

Sermons of the Savior Sermons of the Savior Matthew 7:7-29 Lesson 15 We have arrived at the last verses of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus uses His last words of this sermon to continue His teaching about judging. He reminds

More information

The Story of Redemption

The Story of Redemption The Story of Redemption How Does God Want Me To Live? Copyright James Nored 2003 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any

More information

STUDY PAGES/NOTES DIGGING DEEPER WEEK 51 DAY 1

STUDY PAGES/NOTES DIGGING DEEPER WEEK 51 DAY 1 STUDY PAGES/NOTES DIGGING DEEPER WEEK 51 DAY 1 1. The solution to this problem of New Testament scholarship seems to be that Matthew s record of the words that Jesus spoke was the source of this record

More information

WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS - MATTHEW 7: William Knelsen. Family Pastor. Bergen Missionary Church Fellowship

WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS - MATTHEW 7: William Knelsen. Family Pastor. Bergen Missionary Church Fellowship WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS - MATTHEW 7:24-27 William Knelsen Family Pastor Bergen Missionary Church Fellowship January 29, 2017 Bergen, Alberta, Canada William Knelsen 2 Everyone then who hears these words

More information

Historical Jesus 7: Disciples of Jesus

Historical Jesus 7: Disciples of Jesus Historical Jesus 7: Disciples of Jesus Having looked at Jesus the rabbi, we are now poised to consider what it means to be his disciple. As it turns out, Jesus spoke quite a bit about what he expected

More information

The Poor in Spirit Get What?! Matthew 5:1-12 All Saints Day, November 1, 2015 Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands

The Poor in Spirit Get What?! Matthew 5:1-12 All Saints Day, November 1, 2015 Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands The Poor in Spirit Get What?! Matthew 5:1-12 All Saints Day, November 1, 2015 Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. First of all, what

More information

Meeting With Christ THE BEATITUDES AND THE LORD S PRAYER. Connecting the Beatitudes with the Lord s Prayer. Our Father.

Meeting With Christ THE BEATITUDES AND THE LORD S PRAYER. Connecting the Beatitudes with the Lord s Prayer. Our Father. Meeting With Christ Practical and Exegetical Studies on the Words of Jesus Christ Yves I-Bing Cheng, M.D., M.A. Based on sermons of Pasteur Eric Chang www.meetingwithchrist.com THE BEATITUDES AND THE LORD

More information

TRAINING UNIT 23 (26.32 MINUTES)... Make disciples of all ethnic groups IV:... Disciplemaking-movements... Part II: Application...

TRAINING UNIT 23 (26.32 MINUTES)... Make disciples of all ethnic groups IV:... Disciplemaking-movements... Part II: Application... 1 2 TRAINING UNIT 23 (26.32 MINUTES)... Make disciples of all ethnic groups IV:... Disciplemaking-movements... Part II: Application... Part III: Outreach... 3 Training Unit 23 Make disciples of all ethnic

More information

Gospel Participation The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

Gospel Participation The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Gospel Participation The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Intro: QUESTION: What does a Christian look like? What does a Disciple of Christ look like? We re going to answer that this morning BETTER Jesus

More information

Read: Luke 4: & 5: 1-11

Read: Luke 4: & 5: 1-11 Read: Luke 4: 31-37 & 5: 1-11 Evil spirits come out: Luke 4: 31-37 1. When Jesus taught on the Sabbath, what amazed the people? 2. What did the demon know about Jesus? 3. Jesus commanded the demon to quit

More information

Y O U R F O U N D AT I O N B U I L D I N G O N S O L I D G R O U N D J U LY 2 9,

Y O U R F O U N D AT I O N B U I L D I N G O N S O L I D G R O U N D J U LY 2 9, YOUR FAITH Y O U R F O U N D AT I O N B U I L D I N G O N S O L I D G R O U N D J U LY 2 9, 2 0 1 8 Soil Is Not Usable If There Is No Stable Foundation Beneath It The Soil Is Important -- The Foundation

More information

The Beatitudes Pastor Kim Engelmann West Valley Presbyterian Church

The Beatitudes Pastor Kim Engelmann West Valley Presbyterian Church The Beatitudes Pastor Kim Engelmann West Valley Presbyterian Church Date: 2018-05-20 The passage that Rick just read Matthew 5:1-12 is known as the Beatitudes. Some say there are nine Beatitudes, others

More information

The book of James is named for the man who wrote it (1:1). Four men in the New

The book of James is named for the man who wrote it (1:1). Four men in the New CHAPTER 23: SURVEY OF THE LETTER OF JAMES PART 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK Section 1: The Human Author of the Book of James The book of James is named for the man who wrote it (1:1). Four men in the New

More information

MATTHEW 5:1-13, 20, 48

MATTHEW 5:1-13, 20, 48 1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom

More information

Personal Translation of THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Matthew 5-7 by Dr. David W. King 1974 (Revised 1989) CHAPTER V

Personal Translation of THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Matthew 5-7 by Dr. David W. King 1974 (Revised 1989) CHAPTER V Personal Translation of THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Matthew 5-7 by Dr. David W. King 1974 (Revised 1989) CHAPTER V 1. When He saw the crowd He went up onto the mountain and after He had sat down His disciples

More information

Creative. Communications. Sample

Creative. Communications. Sample SESSION 1 Blessed Are You SESSION 2 Salt and Light SESSION 3 Prayer and Fasting SESSION 4 Do Not Worry SESSION 5 Judge Not SESSION 6 Build on Rock A 6 SESSION BIBLE STUDY FOR LENT leader s guide INTRODUCTION

More information

Session 1: Introduction to the Themes of Catholic Social Principles

Session 1: Introduction to the Themes of Catholic Social Principles Session 1: Introduction to the Themes of Catholic Social Principles living the Faith celebrating Prayer promoting Justice ready to Serve Song Blest Are They - David Hass Blest are they, the poor in spirit;

More information

The Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount Sermon on the Mount 27 1 The Sermon on the Mount "Choosing Between Two Paths" (Matthew 7:13-14) INTRODUCTION: I. This past Summer, in June (June, 2008), a publication called Pew Forum On Religion & Public

More information

God Chooses What is Foolish and Weak

God Chooses What is Foolish and Weak God Chooses What is Foolish and Weak FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE EPIPHANY [a] MATTHEW 5:1-12 1 Seeing the crowds, [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened

More information

Persecution. 1. Relevant or Irrelevant?

Persecution. 1. Relevant or Irrelevant? Series on Prayer & Holiness - Practical Holiness Matthew 5-9 - Beatitudes blessed are.. * radical in teaching vs religion of the day * transformational in living vs rules that are imposed * powerful in

More information

CHAPTER FOUR. Jesus as Moral Guide. Called to Beatitude. Called to Beatitude. beatitude

CHAPTER FOUR. Jesus as Moral Guide. Called to Beatitude. Called to Beatitude. beatitude CHAPTER FOUR Jesus as Moral Guide Called to Beatitude beatitude An attitude guiding us to follow Jesus more closely in order to achieve holiness and happiness. Called to Beatitude In the Beatitudes, we

More information

THE BEATITUDES A SERIES: PART 11 OF 11. Golden Gate Church of Christ Clay Hooper August 14, 2011

THE BEATITUDES A SERIES: PART 11 OF 11. Golden Gate Church of Christ Clay Hooper August 14, 2011 THE BEATITUDES A SERIES: PART 11 OF 11 Golden Gate Church of Christ Clay Hooper August 14, 2011 LAST WEEK S MEMORY VERSE: Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with

More information

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER TO THE CHURCH OF THE DISPERSION THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER TO THE CHURCH OF THE DISPERSION THROUGHOUT THE WORLD THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER TO THE CHURCH OF THE DISPERSION THROUGHOUT THE WORLD 1 PETER CHAPTER 3:13-17 MEDIA REFERENCE NUMBER SMX-967 NOVEMBER 11, 2018 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: On Your Mark. Get Set.

More information

Guide. Study. Matthew 5:3-6 August 27, 2017 Characteristics of True Disciples (Part One) Welcome (40 Minutes) Word (45 Minutes) Worship (5 Minutes)

Guide. Study. Matthew 5:3-6 August 27, 2017 Characteristics of True Disciples (Part One) Welcome (40 Minutes) Word (45 Minutes) Worship (5 Minutes) Study Guide Matthew 5:3-6 August 27, 2017 Characteristics of True Disciples (Part One) Welcome (40 Minutes) Be intentional to have authentic relationships Worship (5 Minutes) As the group transitions from

More information

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has been describing the characteristics of those who believe in God and follow Him.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has been describing the characteristics of those who believe in God and follow Him. Wide and Narrow Roads In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has been describing the characteristics of those who believe in God and follow Him. He has told us that the poor in spirit, those who see themselves

More information

I Value... A good education Being popular My family Having lots of friends Being part of the right crowd Having one or two best friends

I Value... A good education Being popular My family Having lots of friends Being part of the right crowd Having one or two best friends I Value... What s essential in your life? What do you value? For each statement, circle a number to rank its value for you. A good education Chapter 7 Handout 1 Being popular My family Having lots of friends

More information

Seek First the Kingdom

Seek First the Kingdom THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WEST TEXAS Seek First the Kingdom The Kingdom of Heaven in the Gospel of Matthew Session Five: The Kingdom and Discernment Opening Prayer Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about

More information

Week 1: The Character of the Kingdom

Week 1: The Character of the Kingdom Week 1: The Character of the Kingdom Matthew 5:1-16 "If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself." Augustine Start Here The

More information

2016 Bible Trivia Toss-up Questions

2016 Bible Trivia Toss-up Questions HOLINESS YOUNG PEOPLE BIBLE CLASS (H.Y.P.B.C.) HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL 2016 Bible Trivia Toss-up Questions 1 Quest #: Category : Questions: Answers: 1. Finish this Verse Finish this Verse: All scripture is given

More information

Catholic Morality. RCIA St Teresa of Avila November 9, 2017

Catholic Morality. RCIA St Teresa of Avila November 9, 2017 Catholic Morality RCIA St Teresa of Avila November 9, 2017 What is Morality? Morality is a system of rules that should guide our behavior in social situations. It's about the doing of good instead of evil,

More information

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Sunday, October 9, 2016 Sunday, October 9, 2016 Lesson: Hebrews 3:1-6; Matthew 7:24-29; Time of The Lesson: The first section from Hebrews occurred about 67 A.D.; The second section from Matthew occurred about 28 A.D.; Place

More information

As your group time begins, use this section to get the conversation going.

As your group time begins, use this section to get the conversation going. PINELAKE CHURCH THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED THE ROAD OF OBEDIENCE (MATTHEW 7:21-29) DECEMBER 23, 2012 MAIN POINT The road less traveled is the road of obedience. In Matthew 7:21-29, we see that the true test

More information

Session 13: The Gospel of Matthew Bible Study in Plain English

Session 13: The Gospel of Matthew Bible Study in Plain English Session 13: The Gospel of Matthew Bible Study in Plain English By Bill Huebsch Session Thirteen: The Gospel of Matthew The Gospel of Matthew: A sermon book? The Gospel of Matthew might have been written

More information

Handout 1: The Beatitudes Lesson 5 BLESSED ARE THE MEEK Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Matthew 5:5

Handout 1: The Beatitudes Lesson 5 BLESSED ARE THE MEEK Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Matthew 5:5 Handout 1: The Beatitudes Lesson 5 BLESSED ARE THE MEEK Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Matthew 5:5 Including the passage in Matthew 5:5: Blessed are the meek the Greek word praus,

More information

Celebrant s Guide and Commentary and Reflections for Sundays and Festivals (March 6, 2011)

Celebrant s Guide and Commentary and Reflections for Sundays and Festivals (March 6, 2011) Seton Hall University From the SelectedWorks of Reverend Lawrence E. Frizzell, S.T.L., S.S.L., D.Phil. Winter 2011 Celebrant s Guide and Commentary and Reflections for Sundays and Festivals (March 6, 2011)

More information

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 3 1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of

More information